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KENYA STANDARD DKS 2829: 2018
ICS 67.120.01
Food animals welfare - code of practice
PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFT, JULY 2018
©KEBS 2018 First Edition 2018
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KENYA STANDARD DKS 2829: 2018 ICS 67.120.01
Food animals welfare - code of practice
No copying of this standard without KEBS permission except as permitted by copyright law
PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFT, JULY 2018
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TECHNICAL COMMITTEE REPRESENTATION
The following organizations were represented on the Technical Committee. Ministry of Health- food safety unit Kenya Industrial Research and Development Institute National Public Health Laboratory Government Chemist’s Department Farmer’s Choice (K) Ltd. University of Nairobi — Department of Food Science, Nutrition and Technology Consumer Information Network Kenchic (K) Ltd. Kenya Meat Commission Directorate of Livestock Production Directorate of Veterinary Services Alpha fine foods limited Kenya Nut Company- Morendat farm Quality Meat Packers Choice Meats limited Meat Training institute Kenya camel Association Kenya Bureau of Standards — Secretariat
REVISION OF KENYA STANDARDS In order to keep abreast of progress in industry, Kenya standards shall be regularly reviewed. Suggestions for improvement to published standards, addressed to the Managing Director, Kenya Bureau of Standards, are welcome.
© Kenya Bureau of Standards, 2018 Copyright. Users are reminded that by virtue of Section 25 of the Copyright Act, Cap. 12 of 2001 of the Laws of Kenya, copyright subsists in all Kenya Standards and except as provided under Section 26 of this Act, no Kenya Standard produced by Kenya Bureau of Standards may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system in any form or transmitted by any means without prior permission in writing from the Managing Director.
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KENYA STANDARD
Food animals welfare - code of practice
KENYA BUREAU OF STANDARDS (KEBS)
Head Office: P.O. Box 54974, Nairobi-00200, Tel.: (+254 020) 605490, 602350, Fax: (+254 020) 604031 E-Mail: [email protected], Web:http://www.kebs.org
Coast Region Lake Region Rift Valley Region
P.O. Box 99376, Mombasa-80100 P.O. Box 2949, Kisumu-40100 P.O. Box 2138, Nakuru-20100
Tel.: (+254 041) 229563, 230939/40 Tel.: (+254 057) 23549, 22396 Tel.: (+254 051) 210553, 210555 Fax: (+254 041) 229448 Fax: (+254 057) 21814
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Foreword
This Kenya Standard was prepared by the Meat and poultry Products Technical
Committee under the guidance of the Standards Projects Committee, and it is in
accordance with the procedures of the Kenya Bureau of Standards.
Increase in populations coupled with rising household income levels exerts pressure on
animal production due to increased demand of foods of animal origin. Animal welfare has
direct impact on productivity and failure to observe the guidelines constitute barriers to
international trade.
Animal welfare concerns by actors along the value chain and consumers has prompted
World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) to develop guidelines on animal welfare
Compliance with animal welfare standards is now often included in trade agreements.
The development of this standard will therefore enhance production and trade in food
animals
During the preparation of this standard, reference was made to the following documents:
Meat Control Act cap 356 of the Laws of Kenya.
Prevention of cruelty to animals Act cap 360 of the laws of Kenya
The Food, Drugs and Chemical Substances Act, Cap 254 of the Laws of Kenya.
Terrestrial animal health code vol 1 general provisions world organization for animal
health twentieth edition 2011.
The assistance derived from the above sources is highly acknowledged.
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1. Introduction
Animal welfare refers to the state of the animal and how an animal is coping with the
conditions in which it lives. This is achieved when an animal is healthy, comfortable, well
nourished, safe, able to express natural behavior and if it is not suffering from unpleasant
states such as stress, pain or fear.
Animal welfare is an important issue for all sectors of the livestock industry. Good animal
welfare practices are critical for maintaining a positive industry image and for meeting
legal requirements for the sale and transport of livestock. Under no circumstances should
cruelty or ill-treatment of animals be tolerated.
The primary animal welfare needs should be met by the following provisions of freedoms:
1. Freedom from hunger, malnutrition and thirst
2. Freedom from fear and distress
3. Freedom from physical and thermal discomfort
4. Freedom from pain, injury and disease
5. Freedom to express normal patterns of behavior
The care of animals requires competence, experience and observance of high standards
of animal husbandry. Individuals’ knowledge and experience of livestock and their needs,
local climates and weather patterns, topography and shelter, as well as management
practices remain one of the prime means of ensuring that the welfare of animals is
maintained and enhanced. Knowledge of the normal appearance and behavior of animals
is crucial. It is essential to be able to recognize early signs of distress or ill-health so that
prompt remedial action is taken or advice sought.
2. Scope:
The scope of this code covers the humane handling of terrestrial food animals during
production and transportation up to the point of use. This code is intended for all persons
responsible for the welfare of animals throughout the value chain.
3. Normative references
The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application of this
document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references,
the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
I. KS 2761 code of practice for meat hygiene
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II. KS EAS 39 Hygiene in the food and drink manufacturing industry.
III. KS 2773 Livestock Markets: Specification
4. Definitions
For the purpose of this standard the following definitions shall apply:
4.1. Competent authority -means the Veterinary Authority responsible for ensuring
the implementation of animal health and welfare measures.
4.2. Animal handler - a person with knowledge of the behaviour and needs of
animals whohas appropriate experience.
4.3. Lairage: refers to pens, yards and other holding areas used for
accommodating animals in order to give them necessary attention (such as water,
feed, rest) before they are moved on or used for specific purposes including
slaughter.
4.4. Transporter: this is the person licensed/ permitted by the Competent
Authority to transport animals.
4.5. Transport –the procedures associated with carrying of animals from one
location to another.
4.6. Food animal: Animals declared as such under the laws of Kenya
4.7. Humane Handling - acting in a manner that causes least harm to the
animal.
4.8. Point of use: refers to the final destination of the food animal being
moved/transported and/or utilized. It can be a market, research lab, farm or abattoir.
4.9. Abattoir: an establishment where specific animals are slaughtered and
dressed for human consumption and that is approved, registered and/or listed by
the competent authority for such purpose.
4.10. Stunning: means any mechanical, electrical, chemical or other procedure
that causes immediate loss of consciousness; when used before slaughter, the loss
of consciousness lasts until death from the slaughter process; in the absence of
slaughter, the procedure would allow the animal to recover consciousness.
4.11. Animal production; breeding and rearing of food animal.
4.12. Container: means a non-self-propelled receptacle or other rigid
structure for holding animals during a journey by one or several means of
transport.
4.13. Animal welfare - is how an animal is coping with the conditions in which it lives. It encompasses disease prevention and veterinary treatment, appropriate shelter, management, nutrition, humane handling and slaughter/killing.
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4.14. Exhibition purposes: public display, conservation, public education
and public entertainment or other prescribed purposes.
4.15. Licence holder: the holder of a licence authorising the display of
animals at a facility.
4.16. Operator: a licence holder or a natural person nominated by the
licence holder to be the person in charge of a facility, or, where no licence is
held, the person in charge of animals held for exhibition purposes
4.17. Ante-mortem inspection - Any procedure or test conducted by a
competent authority on live animals for the purpose of judgement of safety and
suitability and disposition
4.18. Droving/trekking - the practice of moving livestock over long
distances by walking them on the hoof.
4.19. Mustering - gather or bring animals together
4.20. Handling- any deliberate disturbance or interruption of an animal’s
normal activity by a person, including touching, distracting, manipulating,
training, restraining, catching, holding, carrying, moving or transportating the
animal, whether by or under supervision of a keeper.
4.21. Raceway – Confined narrow pathways for animals to pass through so
that they cannot turn around or get wedged beside each other. The width is
species specific.
4.22. Yard-An enclosure with pens in which animals are sorted or
temporarily housed
4.23. Tethering- is where an animal is fastened by a chain ,rope or
something of the like to a central anchor point, causing it to be confined to a
specific area
5. Production
Animals must be cared for by a sufficient number of personnel, who, collectively, possess
the ability, knowledge and competence necessary to maintain the health and welfare of the
animals in accordance with this code.
Animal handlers should;
a) Have knowledge of the animal’s normal (and abnormal) behaviour and needs
b) Be able to recognize signs of good and poor animal health, disease and injury
c) Be able to anticipate and/or recognize problems early
d) Be calm, efficient and competent in approach
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e) Know when to intervene and when to seek assistance
f) Be working to optimize management systems, including for the benefit of animal
welfare
g) Have knowledge of and ability to identify the appropriate animals for a particular
husbandry system. More formal education-based training is a useful complement to
practical experience.
5.1. Animal Handling during production
The handling of food animals should be in accordance with the provisions of KS 2761 of
prevention to cruelty of animals Act cap 360.
Proper handling of animals is essential for their good husbandry. Distress and risk to both
the animals and their handlers are decreased when good handling practices are followed.
Some of the recommended best practices include;
5.1.1. Animals should be handled at all times in such a way as to minimise the risk
of pain, injury or distress to the animals.
5.1.2. Animals should not be prodded in the most sensitive areas, including the
udder, eyes, nose, anus, vulva or testicles.
5.1.3. Only the minimum force required should be used when moving animals.
5.1.3.1. When encouraging animals to move, audible or visual measures (e.g.
Whistling, rattles, plastic cans, stones in a container) should be preferred
to devices which rely on physical contact (e.g. Alkathene hoses, stock
whips, stock canes, and sticks).
5.1.3.2. The flow of animals should be monitored, and if necessary controlled,
at gateways, in narrow laneways and corners, or at other pressure points
so as to ensure animals, especially young animals unaccustomed to
yarding, are not injured, trampled or smothered.
5.1.3.3. Animals should be allowed ample time to calm down after mustering
to ensure easier and safer handling and to reduce fear.
5.1.3.4. Animals in pens or yards should not be overcrowded, but allowed to
be able to move away from handlers or other animals, because crowding
is likely to contribute to distress and injury.
5.1.4. The social behavior of animals should be considered when separating
animals.
5.1.5. Care should be taken not to induce sudden fear or panic in animals in
confined spaces such as in pens, corners and gateways, because flight might
increase the risk of injury.
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5.1.6. If problems of aggressive behavior occur, the animals should be separated
into compatible groups.Groups of horned and polled cattle, bulls and cows, and
calves and unfamiliar older cattle should be held in separate pens when
yarded.
5.1.7. Animals should not be dragged or lifted by the wool, wings, tails, ears and
legs or horns.
5.1.8. Animals should not be held on their side or back for unnecessarily long time
subjecting it to undue stress especially if they are full or if they are heavily
pregnant.
5.1.9. Vehicles should not be used to push animals physically.
5.1.10. When dogs are used, they should be under control at all times.
5.1.11. Mustering and Droving of Animals must not be forced to proceed at a
pace that will cause exhaustion, heat stress or injury.
5.1.12. If ear marking is performed, as little as possible and no more than
10% of ear tissue should be removed, using an implement that is clean and
sharp.
5.1.13. Care should be taken when applying an eartag to avoid hitting the
cartilage ridges or major blood vessels.
5.2. Restraint and Facilities during production
5.2.1. All facilities, including fences, yards, sheds, and housing, should be
constructed, maintained and operated in a manner that minimises the
likelihood of distress or injury to animals.
5.2.2. Methods of restraining animals should only be used:
5.2.2.1. when they are suitable for those animals being handled;
5.2.2.2. where the operators are fully conversant with their safe operation;
5.2.2.3. if they are in good working order so as to minimise the risk of injury or
unnecessary pain or distress;
5.2.2.4. only for as long as necessary to perform particular husbandry
practices; and
5.2.2.5. where they allow the animal to be released immediately if required.
5.2.3. Animals that are physically restrained should be kept under supervision.
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5.2.4. Tethering should be carried out in a manner so as not to cause injury or
distress to the animals. The tether should also allow animal to stand, lie down
and access any food or water provided.
5.2.5. Yard, shed and raceway design should enable free flow of animals.
5.2.6. Yard and shed flooring surfaces should be constructed of material that
minimises animals slipping.
5.2.7. The use of dusty yards should be avoided when livestock are predisposed to
stress and ill-health (e.g. lambs susceptible to pneumonia).
5.3. Feed and Water
Feeding of animals during primary production should be subject to good animal feeding
practice.
5.3.1. Animals should not be given feed and feed ingredients that:
5.3.1.1. are recognised as likely to introduce zoonotic agents (including
transmissible spongiform encephalopathies - TSEs) to the slaughter
population; or
5.3.1.2. Contain chemical substances, (e.g. veterinary drugs, pesticides) or
contaminants that could result in residues in meat at levels that make the
product unsafe for human consumption.
5.3.2. All animals should receive sufficient quantities of food and nutrients to enable
them to:
5.3.2.1. maintain good health;
5.3.2.2. meet their physiological requirements; and
5.3.2.3. minimise metabolic and nutritional disorders.
5.3.3. All animals must have access to water, sufficient for their daily needs and
that is not harmful to their health.
5.3.4. If animals are to be given feeds to which they are not accustomed (e.g.
supplementary feeds and crops), they should be gradually introduced to those
feeds to enable them to adapt and to prevent digestive problems associated
with the change of diet (e.g. lactic acidosis or grain overload). Animals should
be closely monitored during any change in feed. The feeds shall comply to the
relevant Kenya standards.
5.3.5. Mould-contaminated or excessively dusty supplementary feeds should not be
fed to livestock.
5.3.6. Care should be taken to ensure animals, particularly in late pregnancy, do
not overfeed. Overfeeding resulting in a full rumen can contribute to difficult
births and, in sheep in full wool, a greater risk of becoming cast.
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5.3.7. Automated feed delivery and water reticulation systems without any storage
capacity or other backup supply systems should be checked daily to ensure
that they are in working order and any problems promptly rectified.
5.3.8. In controlled grazing systems where feed is rationed the amount of feed
available on each area should be sufficient to meet the needs of all the animals
during the time that they are on that area or the break.
6.4. Shelter
5.4.1. All animals should have access to shelter to reduce the risk to their health
and welfare caused by exposure to extreme weather conditions.
5.4.2. Animals giving birth should be provided with an environment affording the
newborn protection from any reasonably expected climatic conditions likely to
compromise their welfare and survival.
5.4.3. Animals should be provided with means to minimise the effects of heat
stress.
5.4.4. Where animals develop health problems associated with exposure to
adverse weather conditions, priority should be given to remedial action that will
minimise the consequences of such exposure.
5.5. Housing
5.5.1. All animals should be able to lie down and rest comfortably for sufficient
periods each day to meet their behavioural needs.
5.5.2. Separate confinement should be provided for those animals under treatment
for ill-health, injury or disease for the minimum period possible or those known
to be aggressive
5.5.3. All fittings and internal surfaces, including entry raceways and adjoining
yards that may be used by the housed animals, should be constructed and
maintained to ensure there are no hazards likely to cause injury to the animals.
5.5.4. Building design, or ventilation should be sufficient to prevent the build-up of
harmful concentrations of gases such as ammonia and carbon dioxide.
5.5.5. Adequate lighting should be available during daylight hours
5.6. Health, Injury and Disease
5.6.1. Signs of ill-health or injury should result in timely preventative or remedial
action, as appropriate.
5.6.2. Medication should only be used in accordance with registration conditions
and manufacturer’s instructions or professional advice.
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5.6.3. Medical and surgical treatment should be carried out taking into account the
animal’s welfare.
5.6.4. Veterinary professional advice as per Cap 366 should be sought where there
is:
5.6.4.1. Significant injury or disease
5.6.4.2. Persistent or chronic pain
5.6.4.3. Persistent ill-thrift and poor performance that does not respond to
treatment
5.6.4.4. Need to establish an appropriate health plan v) concern about the
welfare of the animal.
6. Transportation of animals
6.1. General considerations
6.1.1. Animals should be inspected by a veterinarian or an animal handler to
assess fitness to travel. If its fitness to travel is in doubt, it is the responsibility
of a veterinarian to determine its ability to travel. Animals found unfit to travel
should not be loaded onto a vessel.
6.1.2. Animals that are unfit to travel include, but may not be limited to:i) those that
are sick, injured, weak, disabled or fatigued;ii) those that are unable to stand
unaided or bear weight on each leg;iii) those that are blind in both eyes;iv)
those that cannot be moved without causing them additional suffering;v)
newborn with an unhealed navel;vi) females travelling without young which
have given birth within the previous 48 hours;vii) pregnant animals which would
be in the final 10% of their gestation period at the planned time of unloading;
viii) animals with unhealed wounds from recent surgical procedures such as
dehorning.
6.1.3. Drivers and animal handlers should check the load immediately before
departure to ensure that the animals have been properly loaded. Each load
should be checked again early in the trip and adjustments made as
appropriate. Periodic checks should be made throughout the trip, especially at
rest or refueling stops or during meal breaks when the vehicle is stationary.
6.1.4. Careful driving will help prevent bruises and injuries, weight losses, rapid
acceleration or sudden brakes should be avoided because poor driving can
cause animals to lose their balance
6.1.5. Transportation of animals should follow the most direct stock route and be
undertaken in a timely manner to avoid unnecessary stress to the animals.
6.1.6. Animals should not be transported with any other animal species other than
of their own, however sheep and goats may be transported together
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6.1.7. Goats, sheep, pigs and poultry, should be carried in appropriate containers
when necessary
6.1.8. Animals should not be transported in vehicles intended for human
transportation.
Temperature extremes are to be avoided when animals are transported.
6.2. Methods of restraining or containing animals
Methods of restraining animals should be appropriate to the species and age of animals
involved and the training of the individual animal.
6.3. Loading of animals.
6.3.1. Loading should be carefully planned as it has the potential to be the cause of
poor welfare in transported animals.
6.3.2. Loading should be supervised and/or conducted by animal handlers. The
animals are to be loaded quietly and without unnecessary noise, harassment
or force. Untrained assistants or spectators should not impede the process.
Animals should not be loaded or unloaded in a way that causes avoidable
injury or suffering. Ramps should be used.
6.3.3. A system of early identification of injured animals prior to loading/unloading
and an action plan should be in place and known to all employees.
6.3.4. Animals should not be rushed during loading and unloading.
6.3.5. Tipping of animals off vehicles during offloading should not be practiced.
6.3.6. Beating and twisting/breaking tails, eye and nose poking and pouring hot
water on the animal should be avoided.
6.4. Loading facilities
6.4.1. The facilities for loading including the collecting area, raceways and loading
ramps should be designed and constructed to take into account the needs and
abilities of the animals with regard to dimensions, slopes, surfaces, absence of
sharp projections and flooring.
6.4.2. Loading facilities should be properly illuminated to allow the animals to be
observed by animal handler(s), and to allow the ease of movement of the
animals at all times.
6.4.3. Adequate Ventilation and spacing should be provided during loading.
6.5. Goads and other aids
When moving animals, their species-specific behaviour should be used. If goads and other
aids are necessary, the following principles should apply:
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6.5.1. Animals that have little or no room to move should not be subjected to
physical force or goads and other aids which compel movement. Electric goads
and prods should only be used in extreme cases and not on a routine basis to
move animals
6.5.2. The use of such devices should be limited to battery-powered goads on the
hindquarters of pigs and large ruminants, and never on sensitive areas such as
the eyes, mouth, ears, an genital region or belly. Such instruments should not
be used on sheep and goats of any age, or on calves or piglets.
6.6. Regulating the environment within vehicles or containers
6.6.1. Loading density should be reduced in hot and humid weather
6.6.2. Animals should be protected against harm from hot or cold conditions during
travel. The container should have effective ventilation.
6.6.3. Where necessary, a cost effective controlled environment should be provided
6.6.4. Non-slip flooring should be provided to minimize slipping
6.6.5. Vehicle doors and internal gates should be large enough to permit animals to
pass through easily without bruising or injury
6.6.6. All vehicles and containers used for transporting animals should have sides,
and where appropriate, partitions that are secure, strong, and high enough to
prevent animals from jumping, falling or being pushed out.
6.6.7. Vehicles and containers should have a quick release mechanism for
partitions used to separate large animals to enable release of animals in the
event of straddling.
6.6.8. Vehicles and containers should have secure, smooth fittings, and should be
free of protruding bolt heads and any other sharp protrusions. Bolts or latches
should fasten securely so that the animals will not move them.
6.6.9. Provision should be made for the drainage or absorption of urine of animals
during the transportation.
6.6.10. Suitable bedding such as straw or wood shavings or appropriate mats
can be added to vehicles to assist in absorbing urine and faeces, provide
better footing for the animals and protect them from the hard floor.
6.6.11. Vehicles and containers used to transport animals should be cleaned,
sanitized, and equipped with enough suitable fresh bedding at all times
6.6.12. Vehicles used to carry animals should be safe and effective for
movement of the animals. Vehicles used to pull trailers should have sufficient
power to smoothly accelerate the unit and sufficient braking ability to stop
safely.
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6.6.13. Sufficient ventilation should be available at all times while the animals
are on a vehicle. Aerodynamic airfoils installed on truck tractors to enhance
fuel efficiency should not restrict airflow into the trailer which is necessary for
ventilation and cooling. Appropriate measures should be taken to prevent
engine exhaust from entering the area occupied by the animals.
6.6.14. When animals are transported in crates or bins, the design,
construction, available space and state of repair should allow the animals to be
loaded, conveyed, and removed without injury.
6.6.15. Chutes should take advantage of natural behaviour of animals. Most
species prefer to follow a leader and to have no harsh changes in lighting.
Animal handling is more easily accomplished if the alleyways and ramps have
no sharp turns that could impede movement or could cause injury.
6.6.16. Unless animals can be seen easily from outside the containers, every
container used to transport animals should have a sign or symbol to indicate
that it contains live animals and to show its upright position.
6.6.17. Containers used for transporting animals should be securely placed
on vehicles to prevent them from moving during the journey.
6.6.18. When transporting animals in containers, attention should be given to
temperature, ventilation, facilities, and available space during the entire
journey.
6.6.19. Containers that hold animals should be tilted as little as possible
during all stages of loading and unloading. Containers should always be
moved smoothly and never thrown or dropped.
6.6.20. Recommended space requirements for transportation of food animals should be used to avoid overcrowding as recommended in Table 1.
6.6.21.
Table 1— Recommended space requirements for transportation of food animals.
Type of animal Approximate weight (Kg)
Minimum area (M2) per animal
Number of animals in a truck 5.3 M x 2.2 M 4.5 M x 2.2 M
Cattle (
> 300 1.4 7 – 10 5 – 8
< 300 0.9 10 – 11 9 - 10
Pigs
< 100 0.4 14 – 15 11 - 13
> 100 0.8 31 – 34 28 - 30
Sheep and goats (
< 35 0.3 14 – 16 10 - 12
> 35 0.4 35 – 40 30 - 35
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Table 3: Recommended space requirements for transportation of food animals - chicken
Maximum Loading and
Transportation Densities
Moderate Extreme heat
Broiler Chickens 63kg/m2 54kg/m2
Broiler Breeders 66kg/m2 56kg/m2
Turkeys 98kg/m2 83kg/m2
End-of-Lay Hens 63kg/m2 54kg/m2
6.7. Sick, injured or dead animals
6.7.1. A driver or an animal handler finding sick, injured or dead animals should act
according to a predetermined emergency response plan.
6.7.2. Sick or injured animals should be segregated.
6.7.3. Ferries (roll-on roll-off) should have procedures to treat sick or injured
animals during the journey.
6.7.4. In order to reduce the likelihood that animal transport will increase the spread
of infectious disease, contact between transported animals, or the waste
products of the transported animals, and other farm animals should be
minimized.
6.7.5. During the journey, when disposal of a dead animal becomes necessary, this
should be carried out in such a way as to prevent the transmission of disease
and in compliance with all relevant health and environmental legislation.
6.7.6. When killing is necessary, it should be carried out as quickly as possible and
assistance should be sought from a veterinarian or other person(s) competent
in humane killing procedures.
6.7.7. At the destination, the animal handler or the driver during transit should
ensure that responsibility for the welfare of sick, injured or disabled animals is
transferred to a veterinary professional.
6.7.8. If treatment or humane killing is not possible aboard the vehicle, there should
be appropriate facilities and equipment for the humane unloading of animals
that are non-ambulatory due to fatigue, injury or sickness. These animals
should be unloaded in a manner that causes the least amount of suffering.
After unloading, separate pens and other appropriate facilities should be
available for sick or injured animals.
6.7.9. Addressing disease risks during transportation
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6.7.9.1. The following should be taken into account in addressing the greater
risk of disease due to animal transport and the possible need for
segregation of transported animals at the destination:
6.7.9.2. Increased contact among animals, including those from different
sources and with different disease histories;
6.7.9.3. Increased shedding of pathogens and increased susceptibility to
infection related to stress and impaired defenses against disease,
including immunosuppression;
6.7.9.4. Exposure of animals to pathogens which may contaminate vehicles,
resting points, markets, etc.
6.8. Water and feed requirements during transportation
Feeding or watering should be provided if the journey/purpose so requires
6.9. Care of animals during transport: In-transit observations, Rest periods and
conditions
6.9.1. Drivers should start, drive, and stop trucks smoothly to prevent animals from
being thrown off their feet.
6.9.2. Drivers should check each load immediately before departure to ensure that
the animals have been properly loaded. Each load should be checked again
early in the trip and adjustments made as appropriate. Drivers should check for
signs of general discomfort of the animals, such as overheating. Periodic
checks should be made throughout the trip
6.9.3. High environment temperatures will increase the risk of heat stress and
mortality during transportation. It is important to transport animals in vehicles
during the cooler mornings and evenings or even at night. This is particularly
important for pigs. A combination of high humidity and high environment
temperatures is especially deadly to pigs. Heat can rapidly build up to lethal
levels in a stationary vehicle. Wetting pigs with water will help keep them cool
6.9.4. Animals that are being transported should be rested at appropriate intervals
during the journey and offered feed and water, either on the vehicle or, if
necessary, unloaded into suitable facilities.
6.9.5. When resting requires the unloading of the animals. These facilities should
meet the needs of the particular animal species and should allow access of all
animals to feed and water.
6.9.6. Animals being transported by rail should be observed at each scheduled
stop. The responsible rail transporter should monitor the progress of trains
carrying animals and take all appropriate action to minimize delays.
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6.10. Unloading and post-journey handling
6.10.1. General considerations
6.10.1.1. Unloading should be supervised and/or conducted by an animal
handler with knowledge and experience of the behavioral and physical
characteristics of the species being unloaded. Animals should be
unloaded from the vehicle into appropriate facilities as soon as possible
after arrival at the destination but sufficient time should be allowed for
unloading to proceed quietly and without unnecessary noise, harassment
or force.
6.10.1.2. Facilities should provide all animals with appropriate care and comfort,
adequate space and ventilation, access to feed (if appropriate) and water,
and shelter from extreme weather conditions.
6.10.1.3. Care should be taken when unloading sick or injured animals.
6.10.2. Cleaning and disinfection
6.10.4.1. Vehicles, crates, containers, etc. used to carry the animals should be
cleaned before re-use through the physical removal of manure and
bedding by scraping, washing and flushing with water and detergent. This
should be followed by disinfection when there are concerns about disease
transmission.
6.10.4.2. Manure, litter, bedding and the bodies of any animals which die during the journey should be disposed of in such a way as to prevent the transmission of disease and in compliance with all relevant health and environmental legislation.
6.10.4.3. Establishments like livestock markets, slaughterhouses, resting sites, railway stations, etc. where animals are unloaded should be provided with appropriate areas for the cleaning and disinfection of vehicles.
6.10.3. Actions in the event of a refusal to allow the completion of the
journey
6.10.3.1. The welfare of the animals should be the first consideration in the
event of a refusal to allow the completion of the journey.
6.10.3.2. When the animals have been refused import, the Competent Authority
of the importing country should make available suitable isolation facilities
to allow the unloading of animals from a vehicle and their secure holding,
without posing a risk to the health of national herd or flock, pending
resolution of the situation. In this situation, the priorities should be:
6.10.3.2.1. The Competent Authority of the importing country should
provide urgently in writing the reasons for the refusal;
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6.10.3.2.2. In the event of a refusal for animal health reasons, the
Competent Authority of the importing country should provide urgent
access to a veterinarian, to assess the health status of the animals
with regard to the concerns of the importing country, and the
necessary facilities and approvals to expedite the required diagnostic
testing;
6.10.3.2.3. The Competent Authority of the importing country should
provide access to allow continued assessment of the health and other
aspects of the welfare of the animals;
6.10.3.3. In the event that a Competent Authority requires the animals to remain
on the vehicle, the priorities should be:
6.10.3.3.1. To allow provisioning of the vehicle with water and feed as
necessary;
6.10.3.3.2. To provide urgently in writing the reasons for the refusal;
6.10.3.3.3. To provide urgent access to an independent veterinarian(s) to
assess the health status of the animals, and the necessary facilities
and approvals to expedite the required diagnostic testing in the event
of a refusal for animal health reasons;
6.10.3.3.4. To provide access to allow continued assessment of the health
and other aspects of the welfare of the animals, and the necessary
actions to deal with any animal issues which arise.
6.10.3.4. Animals should not be unloaded until all relevant documentation is
presented. The documentation should include date, time and place of
loading and unloading, veterinary certification when required, animal
identification to allow animal traceability to the premise of departure,
health status (including any tests, treatment or vaccinations carried out).
7. Trekking
7.1. Movement of animals is subject to existing regulations by the competent
authority.
7.2. Only cattle, sheep and goats can be successfully moved on hoof, and here
certain risks are involved. The journey should be planned, paying attention to the
distance to be travelled, opportunities for grazing, watering and overnight rest.
7.3. Animals should be walked during the cooler times of the day and, if moving some
distance to a railhead, they should arrive with sufficient time to be rested and
watered before loading.
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7.4. The maximum distances that these animals should be trekked depend on various
factors such as weather, body condition, age etc., but the distance given in Table
2 should not be exceeded when trekked.
Table 4: Maximum distances for trekking
Species One day journey More than one day Subsequent days
Cattle 30 km 24 km 22 km
Sheep/goats 24 km 24 km 16 km
8. Point of use
Animals should not be received until all relevant documentation is presented. The
documentation should include date, time and place of loading and unloading, veterinary
certification when required, animal identification to allow animal traceability to the premise
of departure, health status (including any tests, treatment or vaccinations carried out).
8.1. Slaughter
8.1.1. All animals should be slaughtered in a slaughterhouse operated by a
competent authority and should be in accordance with the provisions in KS
2761 and KS EAS 39 and the Meat Control Act.
8.1.2. Persons in charge of slaughter premises must ensure that animals are cared
for by a sufficient number of personnel who possess the appropriate ability,
knowledge and professional competencies to maintain the health and welfare
of animals.
8.1.3. During the slaughter of animals, the following methods, procedures or
practices are unacceptable on animal welfare grounds:
8.1.4. The restraining methods which work through electro-immobilization or
immobilization by injury such as breaking legs, leg tendon cutting, and severing
the spinal cord (e.g using a puntilla or dagger) cause severe pain and stress in
animals. Those methods are not acceptable in any species.
8.1.5. The use of the electrical stunning method of with a single application leg to
leg is ineffective in any species.
8.1.6. The slaughter method of brain stem severance by piercing through the eye
socket or skull bone without prior stunning is not acceptable in any species.
8.2. Exhibitions
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8.2.1. The operator should ensure that the size and shape of the enclosure
complies KS 2773 and any other relevant Kenya Standards and the provisions
of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animal Act CAP 360.
8.2.2. Operators and staff should understand their responsibilities and collectively
manage the facility to ensure the health, welfare, safety and security of animals
is maintained / achieved.
8.2.3. The operator must ensure that an animal’s dietary requirements are met
while the animal is held within the enclosure/facility.
8.2.4. Enclosures shall be designed, constructed and maintained to ensure the
welfare, security and safety of animals.
8.2.5. Enclosures should be maintained in such a way that they cause the least
possible amount of noise.
8.2.6. The operator must ensure enclosures are designed, constructed, and
managed to:
8.2.6.1. provide a safe environment for the animals contained within them;
8.2.6.2. Cater for the needs of the animals contained within them by providing
appropriate:
8.2.6.2.1. temperature and humidity gradients;
8.2.6.2.2. ventilation;
8.2.6.2.3. lighting;
8.2.6.2.4. shelter and protection from climate extremes;
8.2.6.2.5. retreat: The enclosure should also provide opportunities for the
animals to relax, feel secure, rest and avoid disturbance.
8.2.6.2.6. substrate materials : The operator should ensure that substrate
used within an enclosure are not harmful to the animal, are kept in a
hygienic condition, permit effective drainage; and allow for
appropriate natural behaviours.
8.2.6.2.7. space dimensions: The space should be appropriate for the
species in the enclosure, the developmental stage of each animal in
the enclosure, the number of animals housed in the enclosure and
social groupings.
8.2.6.2.8. protection from predation.
8.2.6.2.9. control of health risks to the animals, including those arising
from parasites and pests and other unwanted/incompatible animals
entering the enclosure.
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8.3. Use of animals for scientific research
8.3.1. The care and use of animals for scientific purposes must be subject to ethical
review. A judgement as to whether a proposed use of animals is ethically
acceptable must be based on information that demonstrates the principles in
Clause 1.1, and must balance whether the potential effects on the wellbeing of
the animals involved is justified by the potential benefits.
8.3.2. The obligation to respect animals, and the responsibilities associated with
this obligation, apply throughout the animal’s lifetime, including acquisition,
transport, breeding, housing, husbandry, use of the animal in a project, and
provisions for the animal at the conclusion of their use.
8.3.3. Respect for animals must underpin all decisions and actions involving the
care and use of animals for scientific purposes. This respect is demonstrated
by:
8.3.3.1. using animals only when it is justified
8.3.3.2. supporting the well being of the animals involved
8.3.3.3. avoiding or minimising harm, including pain and distress, to those
animals
8.3.3.4. applying high standards of scientific integrity
8.3.3.5. knowing and accepting one’s responsibilities.
8.3.3.6. applying Replacement, Reduction and Refinement (the 3Rs) at all
stages of animal care and use:
8.3.3.6.1. the Replacement of animals with other methods
8.3.3.6.2. the Reduction in the number of animals used
8.3.3.6.3. the Refinement of techniques used to minimise the adverse
impact on animals
8.4. Markets
8.4.1. The markets should have suitable premises for loading, unloading and
securely holding the animals, with water and feed, and with protection from
adverse weather conditions until further transport, sale or other use (including
rearing or slaughter).
8.4.2. The markets should have an adequate number of animal handlers to load,
unload, drive and hold animals in a manner that causes minimum stress and
injury.
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8.4.3. The management of the market should put measures in place to minimise
the opportunities for disease transmission, in consultation with the Competent
Authority. Provisions should be made for isolation of sick or ‘suspect’
8.4.4. The markets should be equipped with appropriate facilities for emergencies.
8.4.5. The space requirements should be adequate for various classes of animals
to avoid congestion and stress.
8.4.6. The market should have provisions for separate classes of animals.
